What you can and cannot bring to papal events

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- If you plan to take part in the historic visit of Pope Francis next month you will need comfortable shoes and your patience.

Road closures will mean almost everyone will be walking to try to get a glimpse of the pontiff.

But before you head out the door that weekend, you should know what you can and cannot bring with you on your journey.

Next month Pope Francis will stand on an altar on the Ben Franklin Parkway in front of the George Washington statue celebrating mass. The million plus people expected to be here may be exhausted by the time mass starts.

Some will have walked miles, and many will start their journey early.

Mayor Michael Nutter explains, "This event, and many of its activities, will in fact be mostly walking events."

It's a message the city and organizers want people to hear: If you're coming to see the pope, be prepared to walk - perhaps miles.

Sherry Howard is among those planning to make the trek.

She says, "If I get to Temple University on Broad Street, if I can get that far I probably can walk then. It's not that far. I'm a good walker."

And after a long walk, be prepared for heavy security. The red zones on the map indicate fenced in areas that can only be entered through security checkpoints.

They open at 6 a.m. Saturday, September 26th. The good news is you will be able to bring provisions.

"Food, water is fine. Packages, I mean I'm being serious, packages, depending on what's in the package. But yea, food, water, all those kinds of things, sure," Nutter said.

Getting around the red zones will be a problem for residents of the area. But many are ready.

Robert Saich of Fairmount tells us, "We're on the bike, so we're used to commuting by bike. So, we're gonna handle it."

Carol Burke is throwing a Pope party in her condo that faces the parkway. She says she has invited a lot of friends.

"A lot of people want to come. It's just trying to get here. And if they can get here, they're welcome," she said.

Carol figured she'd have a full house, but now she's not so sure.

She says, "As I understand that there's almost an eight-foot fence going to be put around. So yes, it's going to be very difficult."

Plans are evolving as more becomes known about the security measures. World Meeting of Families organizers will be publishing a walking guide, and the city will have a briefing this week for city residents who need help coping.